Cloth folding and measuring machine



Jan. 14, 1930. B. J. SHAW ET AL CLQ'IH FOLDING AN D MEASURING MACHINE Filed June 27. 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet s 6 INVENTSilS liurazefie 1/. Shaw BYJEJznlZS emjvze Jan. 14, 1930. w B. J. SHAW ET AL v CLOTH FOLDING, AND MEASURING MACHINE Filed June 27.11927 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Jan. 14, 1930. B. J. SHAW ET AL CLOTH FOLDING AND MEASURING MACHINE Filed June 27. 192'? v 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 ENTO 152a Jan. (4, 1930. B. .1. SHAW ET L CLOTH FOLDING AND MEASURING MACHINE Filed June 27. 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 w s 1 mp m m% 2 m h% W W w w mm "1 BM NW .5 ww 1m, mm \QN \\Amv mm mm m QM m Jan. 14, I A-930. B. J. SHAW ET AL v CLOTH FOLDING AND MEASURING MACHINE Filed June 27. 1 927 5 Sheets-Sheet NV N fia'rATToRu J7 Patented Jan. 14, 1930 PATENT OFFICE.

BURDETTE J. SHAW AND JOHN M. SEMPLE,

OF ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, ASSIGNORS T ROSENBERG BROS. & ('30., OF ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK CLOTH FOLDING AND MEASURING MACHINE Application filed June 27,

The present invention relates to cloth folding and measuring machines and has for one object to provide a machine of this class designed to avoid relatively long runs of cloth whereby to avoid the consequent disadvantages characteristic of present machines of this type, such for example as inaccuracy in folding, undue stretching of the cloth and failure to properly measure the same.

A further object of the invention is to provide in a cloth folding machine improved means for feeding or advancing the cloth in engagement with the folding means.

A still further object of the invention is to provide improved devices for indicating the width of the cloth and the yardage as well.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in a machine of the present type, a folding device and an improved feed belt for the cloth disposed in close proximity to the fold ing device together with a cloth piling device for receiving and piling the cloth immediately upon discharge of the same from the feed belt.

To these and other ends the invention resides in certain improvements and combinations of parts, all as will be hereinafter more fully described, the novel features being pointed out in the claims at the end of the specification.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a machine embodying the invention;

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the same;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional elevation taken substantially on line Zi -3 of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is and end elevation of the machine as viewed from the right of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a View in elevation of an adjustable scale for indicating the width of the folded cloth;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary plan View, partly in section, of a belt and scale for indicating the yardage of the cloth;

Figure 7 is a diagrammatic view of the yardage indicating belt shown in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is an enlarged detail View of a portion of the chain belt, illustrating one of 1927. Serial No. 201,677.

the upstanding yard indicating elements shown in Figure 7 and Figure 9 is a transverse section taken on line 9*9 of Figure 6.

Like reference characters throughout the several views indicate the same parts.

The present machine has been designed with the particular idea-in View of constructing it in such a manner as to avoid long runs of cloth at any point between the cloth holding carriage and the means for receiving and piling the cloth as it is discharged from the feed belt. A machine constructed in this manner has the decided advantages of prop erly controlling the cloth throughout its movement from the carriage on which it is placed to the table where it is piled in even folds, preferably, beneath the point at which it is discharged from the feedbelt. Thus sagging of the cloth and the consequent inaccuracy in measuring, undue stretching and improper folding encountered in machines having relatively long runs is avoided as well as the expense of spoiling the goods.

Generally speaking, the machine embodies an adjustable holder or carriage on which the cloth is placed and adjacent to which is a folding device for doubling the cloth lengthwise, while in close proximity to the folding point is a feed device, preferably in the form of a belt extending over a large drum and a relatively small roll spaced therefrom, the belt having a covering designed to frictionally engage the cloth whereby to feed it in engagement with the folding device. At the discharge end of the belt is a cloth piling device for piling the cloth in folds of suitable width'on a table or stand and at one side of the belt is a yardage measuring device while at one end thereof is an adjustable scale for indicating the width of the folded cloth passing over the belt.

Referring to the drawings, 10 and 11 represent opposite portions of the main frame of the machine, said portions being connected by a transverse plate member 12 and provided at their upper edges with upstanding brace members 18, connected by a transversely eX- tending tie bar 14 as shown in Fi aire 4. Seeured apes. the frames 10 and ii are op oing extensions 16 connected at their upper.v

sitely disposed bearings having upstandends by a transverse bar 17 serving to tie the extensions together and to brace the same, whereby the bearings are more rigidly held in position upon the frames. 10' and 11. The frame. 11 .is considerably longer than the frame 10 and is provided adjacent its bottom with a track 18 in spaced relation to an outer track 19 asshown in Figure 4. A carriage ineluding a pair of connected end frames 20 is provided with inner and outer wheels 21 and 22 which are adapted to travel respectively on the tracks 18 and 19 to permit the carriage to be moved back and forth at the rear of the machine, as viewed in Figure 1, for a purpose which will appear hereinafter.

The end frames 20 of the carriage are suitably connected adjacent their lower ends by a plate like support 21 on which is placed the cloth 22*to be folded and measured by the present machine. An upstanding board 21? isprovided on the plate 21" to prevent:

pushing the bolt of cloth too far. inwardly on the plate. The frames 20 are braced and tied together by suitable means, as for example the oppositely inclined plate members 23 and 24 and also by one or more tie rods as may be desired. Rollers 25 and 26 are supported byjthe frames 20 and rods 27 and 28 are placed.

above and below the roller 26 as shown in Figure 4.. The cloth travels on the rollers and rods which serve to straighten the same and smooth out any wrinkles therein before the cloth reaches the folding device. The folding device preferablycomprises' an inclined V-shaped member 29 preferably in the form of a bent rod having its lower ends connected with lugs 30 on brackets 31 secured to the frame 11 as shown in Figure 2. The angular position of the rod is shown in Figure 4 and it is preferably extended through and'supported by an upwardly inclined plate member 32-carried by a bracket 33 on the side frame 11, the plate memberhaving a rounded end 34 engaging the cloth midway between its edges to assist in folding the same.

The means for feeding the cloth in engagement with the V-shaped folding device comprises a belt 35 arranged to travel on a large drum 36 and a relatively small roll 37, as-best shown in Figure 3. The drum is carried on a shaft 38 having its ends journaled in the bearings 15 on the side frames 10 and 11. The roll is carried by a shaft 39 journaled in bearings 40 on the frames 10 and 11, Figures 1 and 2. The belt is adapted to travel downwardly over an inclined table 41 extending between the drum and roll and having an extension 41 at one side which is secured to one of the uprights 16, preferably by a screw 42. The table is provided with suitable supports 42 and 43 extending upwardly from the frame members 10 and 11, the top surface of the table being substantially tangent to the drum and roll as shown in Figure 3. A float- 45, the ends of which are journaled in bearings 46. The belt is adapted to travel over a rod 38 disposed adjacent the roll and having its opposite ends supported by brackets 39' on the frames 10 and 11.

The drum is preferably driven by an elec tric, motor 47 having a shaft 48 carrying a pulley 49 for driving a belt 50, which in turn drives a pulley 51 on a shaft 52. The shaft 52 is journaled in bearings 53 and 54, the latter being, supported by an arm 55 projecting from the frame 10. The shaft 52 carries a small pulley 56 for driving a belt 57 extending over a pulley 58 on a transverse shaft 59 journaled in bearings 60 and 61 on the frame members 10 and 11 respectively. The shaft 59 carries a sprocket wheel 62 having a' sprocket chain 63 for driving a larger sprocket 64 rigid on the drum shaft 38.

The means for piling the cloth on the table i tion of the cloth folding frame 66 is effected by a rod or link 69 having one end pivotally connected therewith and the other with a gear 7 0 suitably pivoted on the frame and meshing with a somewhat larger gear 71 rigid on the drum shaft 38. The frame or cradle 66, u pon being rocked back and forth, will readily fold the cloth by doubling it back upon itself as indicated in Figure 2.

Transversely extending rods 72 and 73 are positioned just above the V-shaped folding device 29 to guide the cloth in its upward movement over the belt 35. A roller 74 positioned slightly above the rods serves to tension and to force the cloth closely into engagement with the belt at a. point somewhat below the axis of the drum shaft, as shown in Figure 3, whereby frictional contact between the belt and cloth is increased and a 'more positive feed of the cloth insured. The

roller 74 is preferably carried by a shaft 7 5 77 having their upper ends secured to angu-. larly disposed strips 78 and their lower ends suitably connected with a bar 7 9,, secured in any suitable manner to a rod 80, the ends of which are carried by thebrackets 31. One or more supports are provided for the slatted,

frame as indicated at 81 in Figure 4:, the same being extended upwardly from the plate 12 for supporting the motor 47 and suitably c0nnected, preferably with one of the slat supporting strips 78.

Means for indicating the width of the folded sections of the cloth passing over the belt, preferably comprises a scale bar 81 which extends longitudinally of the drum and is adapted to overlie the cloth as indicated in Figure 4. The scale bar is supported by a bracket 82 on one of the uprights 13 of the frame, being pivoted upon the bracket at 83 and adapted to swing to the vertical position shown by dotted lines in Figure 5 when not in use. The scale on the bar is marked in inches, running from 25 to 83 in the present instance. Then the scale is in the position shown in Figure 4 the width of the cloth is indicated by the number on the scale nearest to the right hand edge of the cloth as viewed in this figure, which is approximately 28 inches in the present instance. Since the edge of the cloth at the left side of the belt, as viewed in. Figure 1, always occupies the same relative position on the belt, the position of its opposite edge will be different for different widths of cloth and the scale 81 will, therefore, indicate the various widths which may pass over the belt. By watching the scale the attendant can readily tell whether or not the Width of the cloth is uniform throughout and if there is any undue variation in its width at any particular point the operator or attendant can if preferred so mark the cloth as to indicate the same.

The yardage indicating means is best shown in Figures 6 to 8 inclusive and comprises a continuously driven belt 84, shown by way .of example in the present instance as a sprocket chain, which is adapted to travel relatively close to one edge of the cloth as indicated in Figures 1 and 6 and at the same rate of speed. The belt is driven by a sprocket 85 on the shaft 39 which carries the roll 37, the sprocket being fixed on the shaft and will therefore rotate at the same speed as the latter, which is the speed of the cloth feeding belt. The chain also travels over a sprocket 86 journaled in a bearing 87 on one of the frame brace members 13 as shown in Figure 2 and is extended around a pair of lower sprockets 88 and 89 on supports 90 and 91 respectively which are suitably secured to the bottom of the frame 10. The cloth measuring chain or belt carries a plurality of indicating elements preferably in the form of upstanding lugs, 5 in all, which are spaced equal distances apart to represent units of measure, as for example yards. Four of these elements are indicated by the numeral 92 and the fifth by the numeral 93. The latter may either be shaped differently from the rest or painted a different color in order that it may be easily distinguished from the same. This is for the purpose of readily indicating to the operator when the belt completes its circuit of movement in order that he may mark the cloth accordingly to indicate the yardage. When starting the cloth through the machine the operator will adjust the end. of the same on the belt to register with the indicating element 93 and when this element completes its circuit of movement the attendant will place the number 5 on the cloth and upon reappearance of said element the number 10 will be marked on the cloth and so on until the entire bolt has been fed through the machine. Thus, if the length of the cloth is 50 yards, ten numerals will be applied, running from 5 to 50.

Means is provided also for indicating fractional parts of the five yard unit which includes an adjustable scale 94 positioned on the edge of the belt supporting table 41 as shown in Figure 6. The scale is guided by screws 95 extending into the table through slots 96 in the scale and a knob or handle 97 is secured to the scale for moving it longitudinally of tl e belt. The scale is divided into fractions of a yard as indicated to afford more complete measurement of the cloth. For example, if the length of the cloth should be 51 yards the operator, after marking 50 on the cloth opposite the indicator 93 will observe that the end of the cloth terminates somewhere between the first and the second indicators 92 following the indicator 93. He Will then stop the machine, taking care to have the first indicator 92 stop as near as possible to the lower or left hand end of the scale 94 as viewed in Figure 6. Then by adjusting the scale to bring its lower end directly opposite the indicator 92 the fraction will appear opposite the end of the cloth on the belt and the reading will be 51 yards which is the overall length to be marked on the cloth. In this way every piece of cloth run through the machine can be accurately meas ured and marked, beginning at one end and ending at the other. Subsequently when separate pieces are cut from the end of the cloth containing the higher measurements the remaining figures will indicate the amount of cloth left in the piece.

Any suitable marking material may be used in placing the figures or marks on thecloth,

for example chalk, such as is ordinarily used.

by tailors. The preferred method of marking is to first place a short transversely extending line on the cloth opposite the indicator 93 and then mark the number of yards adjacent the line in multiples of 5 as explained above.

The feed belt is preferably made of two layers of material, the inner layer 95 being of leather or other suitable material and the outer layer 96 preferably comprising cloth having a comparatively rough or fibrous surface of a nature to increase the frictiona1 resistance between it and the cloth to be advanced thereby, so as to insure a more or less 5 positive feed of the latter when moving it in engagement with the folding device.

The means for adjusting the cloth-holding carriage comprises a hand wheel 97 a on a short shaft, suitably supported by an upstanding arm or bracket 98 on the carriage, the shaft having a pinion 99 meshing with the rack 100 on the frame 11, as best shown in Figures 1 and 2. By turning the hand wheel to move the carriage back and forth the operator can so adjust the cloth with respect to the folding device as to maintain the free edges of the cloth in alinement one with another while passing over thebelt, or in other words insure equal widths for both sections of the cloth. I

In the operation of the machine, the cloth is first placed on the support 21 as shown in Figure 4. The loose end of the cloth is then carried upwardly under the V-shaped folding device 29, after which it is doubled lengthwise and passed upwardly between the rods 7 2 and 73 and also between the roller 7 4 and the belt 36. It is then drawn down wardly on the belt to bring its end opposite the indicator 93' on the chain 84, which may be shifted to any desired position by starting and stopping the motor at the proper time. After properly adjusting the cloth to the belt and positioning its end in registry with the indicator 93 the motor is started and the belt will then advance the cloth and draw it upwardly around thefolding device, with which cooperates the rounded end 34 of the plate 32, serving to crease and guide the cloth in its upward movement. The layer of material 96 forming the outer section of the belt 35 is of such a nature as to afford a considerable degree of frictional resistance against the tendency of the overlying cloth to slip thereon and consequently the cloth is carried along with the belt and fed therefrom throughthe piling device 66 which is beingcontinuously oscillated to fold or pile the cloth upon the stand as indicated in Figure 2. The operator of the cloth holding carriage will turn the handle 97* back and forth to regulate the position of the cloth on the folding device whereby to keep it centered thereon in order to maintain the edges of the folded sections in alinement as the cloth is fed forwardly by the belt. The'operator' may also observe the scale 81 to see whether I or not the cloth is of uniform width throughout as it is carried forwardly by the belt. The attendant whose duty it is to mark the yardage on the cloth will watch for the apstopped at the proper point, after the last five-yard unit has been marked, so that the remaining fraction of said unit may be determined and marked in the manner explained above. I The piling device is driven by. the drum shaft 38 through the medium 1. In a machine of the class described, a

frame, an adjustable carriage for supporting the cloth, a device for folding the cloth, a feeding device for the cloth comprising a belt for moving it in engagement with the folding device, a device for piling the cloth fed by the belt, means for adjusting the carriage to effect adjustment of the cloth upon the folding device and actuating means for the belt and cloth piling device.

2. In a machine of the class described, a frame, a cloth folding device thereon, a belt in advance of the folding device for feeding the cloth in engagement therewith, indicating means arranged to travel adjacent the cloth on the belt to indicate the yardage fed by the belt and actuating means for driving said belt and said indicating means.

3. In a machine of the class described, a frame, a cloth folding device thereon, a belt in advance of the folding device for moving the cloth in engagement therewith, a second belt arranged to travel adjacent one edge of the cloth feeding belt and having means thereon for indicating points at whichto mark the yardage on the clothing and means for driving said belts.

4. In a machine of the, class described, a.

frame, a cloth folding device thereon, a feed mechanism in advance of the folding device for moving-the cloth in engagement therewith, a belt arranged to travel at one side of the feed mechanism and having a series of iii-- dicators at predetermined distances apart for indicatingunits of travel of the cloth, one of said indicators operating to indicate a multiple number of units traveledby the cloth and means for driving said belt and said feed mechanism.

5. In a machine of the class described, a

frame, a cloth folding device thereon, a feed mechanism in advance of the folding device for moving-the cloth in engagement therewith, a belt arranged to travel at one side of th'efeed mechanism and having a series of indicators at predetermined distances apart for indicating units of travel of the cloth, one of said indicators operating to indicate a multiple number of units traveled by the cloth, a scale mounted adjacent the belt and having markings for indicating fractional parts of a unit toafford complete measurement of the cloth and means for driving said belt and said feed mechanism.

6. In a machine of the class described, a frame, a cloth folding device thereon, a feed belt in advance of the folding device for moving the cloth in engagement therewith, a belt arranged to travel at one side of the feed belt and having a series of indicators at predetermined distances apart for indicating units of travel of the cloth, one of said inclicators operating to indicate a multiple number of units traveled by the cloth, an adjustable scale adjacent one edge of the second mentioned belt for indicating fractional parts of a unit whereby to afford complete measurement of the cloth and means for driving said belts at the same rate of speed.

7. In a machine of the class described, a frame, a cloth folding device there-on, a belt in advance of the folding device for feeding the cloth in engagement therewith, means for driving the belt, a scale extending transversely of the cloth for indicating the width thereof and yardage indicating means arranged to travel with the belt at the same rate of speed.

8. In a machine of the class described, a frame, a cloth folding device thereon, a belt in advance of the folding device for feeding the cloth in engagement therewith, means for driving the belt, guiding means for the cloth between the belt and folding device, and a scale pivoted at one side of the belt to swing to and from a transverse indicating position overlying the belt.

9. In a machine of the class described, a frame, a cloth folding device thereon, a relatively large drum mounted close to the folding device, a roll spaced from the drum, a cloth feeding belt adapted to travel on the drum and roll, a belt supporting table between the drum and roll tensioning means for the cloth between the belt and folding device and means for driving the drum.

10. In a machine of the class described, a frame, a cloth folding device thereon, a relatively large drum mounted close to the point at which the cloth is folded, a cloth feed belt upon the drum adapted to receive the cloth in close proximity to the folding point, the belt including inner and outer sections and the latter being of cloth like material, a roll over which the belt is adapted to travel, tensioning means for the cloth between the belt and folding device and means for driving the drum.

11. In a machine of the class described, a frame, a cloth folding device thereon, a relatively large drum mounted close to the point at which the cloth is folded, a feed belt upon the drum adapted to receive the cloth in close proximity to the folding point, a roll over which the belt is adapted to travel, means for driving the drum and endless means traveling with the belt for indicating the yardage of the cloth fed by the belt.

12. In a machine of the class described, a frame, a cloth folding device thereon, a relatively large drum mounted close to the folding device, a feed belt upon the drum adapted to advance the cloth in engagement with the folding device, a roll over which the belt is adapted to travel, a second belt arranged to travel at one side of the feed belt, means on the second belt for indicating the yardage of cloth fed by the feed belt and'means for driving said belts at the same rate of speed.

13. In a machine of the class described, a frame, a cloth folding device thereon, a relatively large drum mounted close to the point at which the cloth is folded, a feed belt upon the drum adapted to advance the cloth in engagement with the folding device, a second belt arranged to travel at one side of the feed belt, means on the second belt for indicating the yardage of cloth advanced by the feed belt, means for driving said belts at the same rate of speed and a scale adjacent the second belt for indicating fractions of a yard whereby to effect complete measurement of the cloth passing over the feed belt.

14. In a machine of the class described, a frame, a cloth folding device thereon, a relatively large drum mounted close to the point at which the cloth is folded, a feed belt upon the drum adapted to receive the cloth in close proximity to said folding point, a roll over which the belt is adapted to travel, means for driving the drum, tensioning means for the cloth between the belt and folding device, and means overlying the cloth for indicating the width thereof.

15. In a machine of-the class described, a frame, a cloth folding device thereon, a belt for feeding the cloth in engagement with the folding device, means for driving the belt, a cloth piling device mounted to swing upon the frame, tensioning means for the cloth be tween the belt and folding device and means operatively connected with the belt driving means for oscillating said piling device.

16. In a machine of the class described, a frame, a cloth folding device thereon, a table supported by the frame, a feed belt for moving the cloth in engagement with the folding device adapted to travel upon the table and means at one side of the table adjacent one edge of the belt for indicating the amount of cloth fed by the belt.

17. In a machine of the class described, a frame, a cloth holding folding device'for the cloth mounted adjacent the carriage,'a relatively large drum mounted in close proximity to the folding device, a roll spaced from the drum, a belt adapted to travel upon the drum and roll and arranged to receive the folded cloth at a point adjacent the folding device, a cloth piling device mounted adjacent the roll, means for actuatcarriage thereon, a

ing the drum to drive the belt, means actuated by the drum actuating means for operating the cloth piling device and means actuated by the roll adapted to indicate the yardage of the cloth.

' 18. In a machine of the class described, a frame, a cloth folding device thereon, a belt in advance of the folding device for feeding the cloth in engagement therewith, an endless device arranged to travel in the direction of e the travel of the cloth and having means thereon for indicating the yardage advanced by the belt and means for driving the belt and said endless indicating device.

BUR'DETTE J. SHAW. JOHN M. SEMPLE. 

